Over an early cuppa and enjoying the SJ McArdle website, I’m reading many links to Drogheda…always great,as I’ve spent many happy times there…well timed for 4711 travellers too ..D
Morning Christy
It must have been great to have gigged on the Lakes circuit…what a fab song to add to a repertoire…
Listening to the Beeb radio Folk Show, there was a song ‘Hesperus’ that struck me…by a singer new to me .. http://www.sjmcardle.com
Linked to poems by Ella Young…atmospheric playing and an interesting website…
My Dad Peter White will be going to see you in the TLT on Friday night, Fresh from the Honda 50 challenge around the ring of Kerry. More than likely his bike will be parked up outside. If you are planning on doing My Little Honda 50 he would be the happiest man in the crowd if you could give him a mention.
Enjoy the Gig and see you there.
I remember you saying about you playing numerous gigs in Cockermouth and nearby towns…happy to report that last weekend,the town was full of music in a huge mix of venues…great to join in with a shanty or several on a Saturday afternoon.
I picked up a flyer for a fab sounding festival..from 25-27 July,…West Cumbria is the place to be!
there was a perfect circuit of gigs in the Lake District back in the mid to late 60’s..if memory serves there were 8 clubs….my visits there were based in Cockermouth where the local club was run by the singer Muriel Greaves…there I leaned the beautiful song “Bogie’s Bonny Belle”
Comhghairdeas Christy, well done to the team and you winning best music video with Boy in The Wild. Hopefully see you play that along with Listen and Black is The Colour at the TLT on Friday – really looking forward to seeing you then.
thankfully,
all that hype passes me by,
since I first heard of those two lads, all those years ago,
I’ve made a point of avoiding anything to do with them,
…. no further comment
Hi Christy, I am travelling from Galway to see you in the TLT in Drogheda this Friday 11th. I was wondering if you might sing “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll” in tribute to Sunny Jacobs, who together with Kevin Kelly died tragically last month, and in memory of her husband Peter Pringle, two souls who turned their pain into purpose by setting up the Sunny Centre and stood as beacons for the wronged and the voiceless. Thank you.
Calling all 4711ers ,
At 5.05pm tonight in the county Roscommon (somewhere near Boyle) the jolly in the race is running named Vicar Street.
Owned by Limerick’s own JP, with the unbeatable sire Galileo as his dad, and the unbeaten Vroom Vroom Mag as his mum,trained by the maestro Willie, Vicar Street is due to romp home.
Now whether or not he is ridden by Ruby, written by Jimmy McCarthy, supported by old men in silk and cloth, watched by clergymen dressed up like men and models home from London, or just a lilt from the Grehans and John Reilly wafting across the unsaddling enclosure, well am sure the jockey will be singing as he floats past the winning post and Sean Graham reaches down deep into his satchel for a bottle and a fiver to pay out a string of collecting 4711ers.
What a great name for a horse, all the best JP.
rory
Christy's reply
our Hawick Correspondant delivers the goods once again….a firm favourite , won in a canter..beautifully ridden….good information…fair play to you…cheque in the post
Dear Christy..
Unbelievable, that it is more than a week ago, since I could hear you at that legendary gig at the Marquee.
Sorry, I could not write earlier. I am still dreaming of your beautiful performance that evening.
This was the eighth time I did see you life ( including Alte Oper, long time ago ) but Christy, that evening really was the best for me !
Thank you for your energy, enthusiasm and love for your audience – you got it all back!
The choice of songs was great..and Bright Blue Rose at the end..just magic !
It was so impressive to be part of that crowd , packed in tight all together at the big Marquee..
Barbara is just as happy, to have been there, she also sends a big ” Dankeschön “.
Thanks for the personal greeting, the help to even get there..<3<3<3
I hope I can make nr. 9 soon..
Wishing you and your family all the best..
Love and Peace .
Trudy
Christy's reply
Rehearsing at 5 pm it was a big empty space, no atmosphere, wind flapping the canvas, sound reverberating into a cacophony….then the gates and doors were opened…good listeners poured in from near and far…the atmosphere began to develop…backstage in the dressing room I could sense the rising excitement & anticipation…songsters mingling as the hum of expectation and conversation rose towards showtime….side stage at 8 pm Johnny rigged me up for sound, Michael checked my notes and attire, Dickon had the monitors humming, David and Geoff out front with P.A. & Lights poised for action, the big screen operators at the ready….the lights went down and out I went to face the crowd….such an outburst of welcome I never felt before…it hit me full on as I psyched into performance mode….everything changes, my focus sharpens, my voice becomes powered by the energy of the room, the chords seem to change themselves, the set list flows, I hear distant call outs, I cannot see the audience but I can feel their listening….and SUDDENLY its all over….I get back to the room, spent, hot and tired but fulfilled by what has just happened….I sit quietly. my Brother visits, we sit and talk about family things , peace descends, the Marquee is empty, soon I am in the van heading home….another great gathering made possible by the efforts of all you good listeners who came to The Big Marquee..
Go Raibh Míle Maith agaibh Go Léir
A quick post to say that Colm Seoighe and his Band Na hEasogai will be on RTE 1 TV tomorrow at 8pm in An Ghig Mhor ! Their star is rising, they recently played support to Damien Dempsey on his national tour. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Christy's reply
Colm agus Na hEasogai are flying it…great to see them ar an bosca aréir…
Dear Christy I hope you and yours are well.
Thank for exceptional times in the Marquee. Every note was felt.
We travelled after to drive the Gap of Dunloe. Breathtaking. What was different this time is that I got to be the passenger. How strange it felt that the tables turn and the Child drives the Mother. I earned it I reckon to be able to look out the window and breathe and listen. I am very grateful for the music and the past but also excited for what may happen. My best regards to you and the lads. Will listen again soon enough. Hope springs Xx
Hello Christy,
There’s a room in the library at Brighouse. It’s got pictures in it, not books. The sound bounces off the wall there. They’re curved at one end.
Hope you are busy, healthy and happy, and surrounded by all good things.
Lots going on here. The new (old) guitar is friendly, big and loud. I’ve given it a Japanese strap with a Tiger on it to match its personality.
I managed to find a copy of Sam Henry’s Songs of the people that I spent time with at the ITMA. He must have been a great lover of songs, there are some tunes in there too which I’m looking forward to exploring.
On 9th August ill be playing at the Haeick festival. Two 40 minute sets on a Saturday afternoon. I can’t wait!!!
And a lovely thing later in the month. We’ve booked tickets for the Masters of Tradition festival. I’ve read a few times things you’ve written about it and this year I’m hoping we’ll get there.
Love to all here. May your time be full of songs.
Rebecca
Christy's reply
two 40 min sets !…you’ll be busy prepping for that..hope all goes well
Hi Christy
Bit late… But couldn t manage to come in here…
It was such a great gig…some special gems I never heard live
Thanks for all this… just for your wonderful music
Time flew by….
and I also loved the theatre!
a wonderful place .
will come back again..
so I ll go back home with much more strength, power and happiness.
thanks as well to your crew who are a big part to make you ride on and it s good to see how you re keeping so great together.
I ll breathe some seaair today …
Enjoy the wonderful weather and return tomorrow with fresh energy .
Hope to be back in autumn
So keep healthy and rollin…
all the best and it s so good that you re there
Ursula
Christy's reply
Thank you Ursula….thank you too for your delightful confections ..greatly appreciated by all concerned..(and so well wrapped)….I missed out on playing the Bodhrán..had intended to play but got sidetracked….I had rehearsed both Aisling and Burning Times….neither appeared…hopefully next time…we appreciate your presence and feedback…
A group of us are heading to the TLT this Friday 11/7/25. Traditionally we would make the pilgrimage to vicar street every year, at Christmas, to see you perform, it wouldn’t be Christmas without it, but when we are based out of the barracks in Laytown, we couldn’t resist leaving the safe haven of the royal county and slipping into Drogheda for a night.
We have a mix of service and originally we hail from different parts of this island but the senior man is from a very funny place sir, a strange and troubled land.
It would be much appreciated if you could perform Ballinamore.
Not to worry if not, it will be great to get our fix of Christy before we reunite once again in December…
All the best, and thank you for the endless nights of enjoyment.
Christy's reply
What About The Leb Lyle?
What Ye been doin lately then Paddy ?
(I was vacuum packin T Bone steak for Larry maith-an-fear.).
Will ye Be in Civvies Lyle ?
or will ye be fully loaded for a bit of active service ?
will thon senior man be an NCO?
can we go Square -Bashin around the Wet Canteen?
I hope to jasus we dont end up in the Officer’s Mess
Hi folks
Just a quick double reminder of the breadth of great anti-fascist music out there.
Viva declan welsh
https://dwdw.bandcamp.com/album/no-pasaran-doesnae-happen-here
Rory
Over an early cuppa and enjoying the SJ McArdle website, I’m reading many links to Drogheda…always great,as I’ve spent many happy times there…well timed for 4711 travellers too ..D
Morning Christy
It must have been great to have gigged on the Lakes circuit…what a fab song to add to a repertoire…
Listening to the Beeb radio Folk Show, there was a song ‘Hesperus’ that struck me…by a singer new to me .. http://www.sjmcardle.com
Linked to poems by Ella Young…atmospheric playing and an interesting website…
Enjoy Drogheda prep and gig
Dave
Hi Christy,
My Dad Peter White will be going to see you in the TLT on Friday night, Fresh from the Honda 50 challenge around the ring of Kerry. More than likely his bike will be parked up outside. If you are planning on doing My Little Honda 50 he would be the happiest man in the crowd if you could give him a mention.
Enjoy the Gig and see you there.
Justin
Hi Christy
I remember you saying about you playing numerous gigs in Cockermouth and nearby towns…happy to report that last weekend,the town was full of music in a huge mix of venues…great to join in with a shanty or several on a Saturday afternoon.
I picked up a flyer for a fab sounding festival..from 25-27 July,…West Cumbria is the place to be!
http://www.cumberlandia.co.uk
Dave
there was a perfect circuit of gigs in the Lake District back in the mid to late 60’s..if memory serves there were 8 clubs….my visits there were based in Cockermouth where the local club was run by the singer Muriel Greaves…there I leaned the beautiful song “Bogie’s Bonny Belle”
Comhghairdeas Christy, well done to the team and you winning best music video with Boy in The Wild. Hopefully see you play that along with Listen and Black is The Colour at the TLT on Friday – really looking forward to seeing you then.
Hi Christy
I’ve seen my share of sights and events over decades ..but,the pre gigs Oasis hyp is off the scale…great for the city and music buzz etc
Also,a fab Summer walking trail…guitars in windows and over streets etc…donated,installed and some for playing…
Done by http://www.musicforthesenses.co.uk
Keeping spirits high..
Slide away…
Dave
thankfully,
all that hype passes me by,
since I first heard of those two lads, all those years ago,
I’ve made a point of avoiding anything to do with them,
…. no further comment
Hi Christy, looking forward to the TLT this Friday 11th. This will be 3rd year in a row I see you with my son Harry (10) and my Ma.
You kindly played Beeswing for Harry last year as the 1st year he missed as was in the loo!!!
Last year you said youd do Johnny Jump Up for him this year. If you could that would be great, no panic if you cant.
Anyway cant wait now for our annual tradition of 3 generations going to see you.
Thanks
Phil
I’ll tell you a story that happened to me
Hi Christy, I am travelling from Galway to see you in the TLT in Drogheda this Friday 11th. I was wondering if you might sing “The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll” in tribute to Sunny Jacobs, who together with Kevin Kelly died tragically last month, and in memory of her husband Peter Pringle, two souls who turned their pain into purpose by setting up the Sunny Centre and stood as beacons for the wronged and the voiceless. Thank you.
RIP Sunny, Kevin and Peter
See you on the 16 October in the Carrickdale hotel. Absolutely thrilled I got tickets. Can’t wait.
Martina
one day at a time
Hi Christy,
Sowing that seed once again for The Other Side on Friday in TLT.
Thanks
Fin
Come with me to The Island
Calling all 4711ers ,
At 5.05pm tonight in the county Roscommon (somewhere near Boyle) the jolly in the race is running named Vicar Street.
Owned by Limerick’s own JP, with the unbeatable sire Galileo as his dad, and the unbeaten Vroom Vroom Mag as his mum,trained by the maestro Willie, Vicar Street is due to romp home.
Now whether or not he is ridden by Ruby, written by Jimmy McCarthy, supported by old men in silk and cloth, watched by clergymen dressed up like men and models home from London, or just a lilt from the Grehans and John Reilly wafting across the unsaddling enclosure, well am sure the jockey will be singing as he floats past the winning post and Sean Graham reaches down deep into his satchel for a bottle and a fiver to pay out a string of collecting 4711ers.
What a great name for a horse, all the best JP.
rory
our Hawick Correspondant delivers the goods once again….a firm favourite , won in a canter..beautifully ridden….good information…fair play to you…cheque in the post
Dear Christy..
Unbelievable, that it is more than a week ago, since I could hear you at that legendary gig at the Marquee.
Sorry, I could not write earlier. I am still dreaming of your beautiful performance that evening.
This was the eighth time I did see you life ( including Alte Oper, long time ago ) but Christy, that evening really was the best for me !
Thank you for your energy, enthusiasm and love for your audience – you got it all back!
The choice of songs was great..and Bright Blue Rose at the end..just magic !
It was so impressive to be part of that crowd , packed in tight all together at the big Marquee..
Barbara is just as happy, to have been there, she also sends a big ” Dankeschön “.
Thanks for the personal greeting, the help to even get there..<3<3<3
I hope I can make nr. 9 soon..
Wishing you and your family all the best..
Love and Peace .
Trudy
Rehearsing at 5 pm it was a big empty space, no atmosphere, wind flapping the canvas, sound reverberating into a cacophony….then the gates and doors were opened…good listeners poured in from near and far…the atmosphere began to develop…backstage in the dressing room I could sense the rising excitement & anticipation…songsters mingling as the hum of expectation and conversation rose towards showtime….side stage at 8 pm Johnny rigged me up for sound, Michael checked my notes and attire, Dickon had the monitors humming, David and Geoff out front with P.A. & Lights poised for action, the big screen operators at the ready….the lights went down and out I went to face the crowd….such an outburst of welcome I never felt before…it hit me full on as I psyched into performance mode….everything changes, my focus sharpens, my voice becomes powered by the energy of the room, the chords seem to change themselves, the set list flows, I hear distant call outs, I cannot see the audience but I can feel their listening….and SUDDENLY its all over….I get back to the room, spent, hot and tired but fulfilled by what has just happened….I sit quietly. my Brother visits, we sit and talk about family things , peace descends, the Marquee is empty, soon I am in the van heading home….another great gathering made possible by the efforts of all you good listeners who came to The Big Marquee..
Go Raibh Míle Maith agaibh Go Léir
A quick post to say that Colm Seoighe and his Band Na hEasogai will be on RTE 1 TV tomorrow at 8pm in An Ghig Mhor ! Their star is rising, they recently played support to Damien Dempsey on his national tour. Beir bua agus beannacht. H
Colm agus Na hEasogai are flying it…great to see them ar an bosca aréir…
Thanks for your response Christy, it’s very much appreciated!!! but no Leb for us, only the Leaba… A different uniform, “Lugs” Branigan spec…
We will definitely be in the civvies, we wont be forcing anyone to blow up our auld balloon… Roll on Friday night
ceart go leor …
Templemore….
no extra charge for batons….
Dear Christy I hope you and yours are well.
Thank for exceptional times in the Marquee. Every note was felt.
We travelled after to drive the Gap of Dunloe. Breathtaking. What was different this time is that I got to be the passenger. How strange it felt that the tables turn and the Child drives the Mother. I earned it I reckon to be able to look out the window and breathe and listen. I am very grateful for the music and the past but also excited for what may happen. My best regards to you and the lads. Will listen again soon enough. Hope springs Xx
thanks Christy
so much for your warm reply…
I m just happy….
everything was great and so it s just one more reason to come back soon
take care
Ursula
Hello Christy,
There’s a room in the library at Brighouse. It’s got pictures in it, not books. The sound bounces off the wall there. They’re curved at one end.
Hope you are busy, healthy and happy, and surrounded by all good things.
Lots going on here. The new (old) guitar is friendly, big and loud. I’ve given it a Japanese strap with a Tiger on it to match its personality.
I managed to find a copy of Sam Henry’s Songs of the people that I spent time with at the ITMA. He must have been a great lover of songs, there are some tunes in there too which I’m looking forward to exploring.
On 9th August ill be playing at the Haeick festival. Two 40 minute sets on a Saturday afternoon. I can’t wait!!!
And a lovely thing later in the month. We’ve booked tickets for the Masters of Tradition festival. I’ve read a few times things you’ve written about it and this year I’m hoping we’ll get there.
Love to all here. May your time be full of songs.
Rebecca
two 40 min sets !…you’ll be busy prepping for that..hope all goes well
Hi Christy
Bit late… But couldn t manage to come in here…
It was such a great gig…some special gems I never heard live
Thanks for all this… just for your wonderful music
Time flew by….
and I also loved the theatre!
a wonderful place .
will come back again..
so I ll go back home with much more strength, power and happiness.
thanks as well to your crew who are a big part to make you ride on and it s good to see how you re keeping so great together.
I ll breathe some seaair today …
Enjoy the wonderful weather and return tomorrow with fresh energy .
Hope to be back in autumn
So keep healthy and rollin…
all the best and it s so good that you re there
Ursula
Thank you Ursula….thank you too for your delightful confections ..greatly appreciated by all concerned..(and so well wrapped)….I missed out on playing the Bodhrán..had intended to play but got sidetracked….I had rehearsed both Aisling and Burning Times….neither appeared…hopefully next time…we appreciate your presence and feedback…
Christy,
A group of us are heading to the TLT this Friday 11/7/25. Traditionally we would make the pilgrimage to vicar street every year, at Christmas, to see you perform, it wouldn’t be Christmas without it, but when we are based out of the barracks in Laytown, we couldn’t resist leaving the safe haven of the royal county and slipping into Drogheda for a night.
We have a mix of service and originally we hail from different parts of this island but the senior man is from a very funny place sir, a strange and troubled land.
It would be much appreciated if you could perform Ballinamore.
Not to worry if not, it will be great to get our fix of Christy before we reunite once again in December…
All the best, and thank you for the endless nights of enjoyment.
What About The Leb Lyle?
What Ye been doin lately then Paddy ?
(I was vacuum packin T Bone steak for Larry maith-an-fear.).
Will ye Be in Civvies Lyle ?
or will ye be fully loaded for a bit of active service ?
will thon senior man be an NCO?
can we go Square -Bashin around the Wet Canteen?
I hope to jasus we dont end up in the Officer’s Mess
any auld autographs or tapes ?